In early August, Mitch was tragically beaten to death by an employee while in the care of a Seattle dog boarding facility.

Mitch was more than a pet. He was a deeply loved member of his family. Neela and Anthony had boarded Mitch while they were in the hospital preparing to welcome their first child. Mitch suffered a violent and senseless death.

The man responsible pled guilty to one felony count of animal cruelty. On April 8, 2026, the judge sentenced him to the maximum allowed under Washington law: just three months. Because this included time already served on an electronic home monitoring device, Mitch's killer would serve no additional time at all.

Mitch's family has been left not only grieving an unimaginable loss, but also facing the reality that stronger animal protection and cruelty laws are needed. Under current Washington law, what happened to Mitch is not classified as a violent crime, and Mitch is treated merely as property.

This fundraiser is being created to honor Mitch's life and to support efforts focused on advocating for meaningful legislative reform.

Any support, whether through donations or sharing this page, means so much.

For Mitch, and for every dog who deserves protection and justice.

https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/ex-employee-to-plead-guilty-and-be-sentenced-in-seattle-doggy-daycare-killing-case/281-f14d0ae7-62c4-49ae-bb19-ab840cceaaef

https://komonews.com/news/local/former-seattle-seattle-dog-kennel-worker-pleads-guilty-in-dogs-beating-death-lazy-dog-crazy-dog-ballard-west-seattle-king-county-prosecuting-attorneys-office